Learn more here about your right to be protected against sex discrimination and what to do if your rights are violated. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination. There are many kinds of conduct that may be defined as sexual harassment. These include unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors, or other unwanted conduct of a sexual nature. Such conduct may be physical, ranging from massages or hugs to sexual assault and rape. It can consist of verbal conduct, like vulgar jokes or discussions about sex. It can be visual, such as pornography, graffiti, or sexual gestures. Unwanted communication, like emails or text messages, or conduct directed at you on social media, also may be considered harassment. Be aware that harassment need not target you specifically to be unlawful.
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I’m experiencing sex-based discrimination at my job
The Sex Discrimination Act SDA makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person because of their sex, gender identity, intersex status, sexual orientation, marital or relationship status, family responsibilities, because they are pregnant or might become pregnant or because they are breastfeeding. For more information, see the fact sheet Sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status discrimination. The SDA protects people across Australia from discrimination in a number of areas in public life, including employment, education, getting or using services, or renting or buying a house or unit. Sex discrimination in employment occurs when someone is treated less favourably than a person of the opposite sex would be treated in the same or similar circumstances. It can occur when employers or managers hold assumptions about what sort of work women are capable — or not capable — of performing. For example , after working for 11 years with an accounting firm, Erin had been promoted to the role of group auditor. However, when a new manager was appointed, he began treating her differently to the male employees working in similar positions.
What kind of conduct is considered sexual harassment?
Sexism is prejudice or discrimination based on one's sex or gender. Sexism can affect anyone, but it primarily affects women and girls. According to Fred R. Shapiro , the term "sexism" was most likely coined on November 18, , by Pauline M. Both the racist and the sexist are acting as if all that has happened had never happened, and both of them are making decisions and coming to conclusions about someone's value by referring to factors which are in both cases irrelevant. Also, according to Shapiro, the first time the term "sexism" appeared in print was in Caroline Bird 's speech "On Being Born Female", which was published on November 15, , in Vital Speeches of the Day p. Sexism is judging people by their sex when sex doesn't matter. Sexism is intended to rhyme with racism. Sexism may be defined as an ideology based on the belief that one sex is superior to another. Sociology has examined sexism as manifesting at both the individual and the institutional level.
We use cookies to improve your experience of our website. You can find out more or opt-out from some cookies. If you're treated unfairly because you're a man or a woman, this is sex discrimination.
